Electrical sockets in England. US power grid voltage, electrical plugs and sockets

European buyers who had to purchase in the US electronic devices or home appliances, they know that American equipment has a power cord plug configuration that is different from what we are used to. There is also a difference in the network voltage range. Thus, the norm for the United States is a voltage of 110 volts, while in the networks of European countries it is 220 volts.

Therefore, people who want to buy a laptop, smartphone, TV or depilator in the USA are afraid that they will not be able to use these devices.

In fact, they can, but for this they will need to take certain steps. Next, we will try to figure out how to determine the voltage level at which the device operates, and how to adapt a North American device to the networks of the European continent.

Currently, almost all manufacturers equip their products with universal network adapters, power supplies and devices for charging gadgets, which allows the equipment to work in any country in the world.

Finding out the voltage range for a particular product is not difficult. To do this, just look:

• instructions for the device (section dedicated to technical parameters);
• specification on the sticker located on the back of the product;
• description of the device model on the manufacturer's website.

Standard network adapters of this type are included with all modern laptops. In the data indicated on the sticker we can see that this device is universal and can operate from 100 to 240 volts (highlighted in red).

Before purchasing a product, the buyer can first find out what the operating range of the corresponding device is. In addition, you can ask the seller of the product about the shape of the plug and the permissible voltage level. But it should be remembered that almost any device can be adapted to work with a suitable voltage level.

On the sticker of the electric razor charger we see that the device also operates at a voltage of 100-240 volts (highlighted in red)

Equipment that operates at voltages between 100 and 240 volts

After receiving the goods, you must first make sure that this block power supply is truly universal, because otherwise there is a high risk of damage to the electrical device.

Standard mobile phone charger. Information that indicates its versatility is highlighted in red.

Then you need to solve the problem with the cord plug American type, which differs from the European standard. If, when ordering a product, the store does not offer a European-style plug as an option, then there are two ways out of this situation.

Purchasing an adapter

Buying an adapter for an American-type cord plug to a European-type network is the simplest, cheapest and most popular way to solve the problem. But in in this case one thing to consider important nuance- presence or absence of a grounding contact on the plug.

Mains plug equipped with a grounding pin

If the plug of the purchased device is equipped with a grounding contact, then you should select a universal type adapter. If there is no grounding contact, then a standard adapter is most suitable.

A plug that does not have a grounding pin

Purchasing such an adapter is the optimal solution. Such devices cost about two to three dollars and are sold in many electrical stores. However, the difficulty is that they are not always available for sale.

Types of network adapters designed for plugs without grounding function

But this problem is not insurmountable, since such devices can be purchased on radio markets or via the Internet. For example, a large assortment of such products is presented on the American online auction eBay.

Purchasing the correct power cord

An alternative way to solve the problem is to purchase a new power cord equipped with a plug of the appropriate configuration. You can also use a cord from some other device, for example, from a camera or video camera.

The cord can be purchased for $3-5 at any electronics or home improvement store. But it should be taken into account that the connector of the purchased cord that is connected to the equipment must fully correspond to the connector of the American cord.

Let's consider a fairly common situation: a laptop was purchased in the United States with a plug configuration typical for that country. The gadget's network adapter states that it is universal and can operate at a network voltage of 100-240 volts. You can solve the problem of replacing the cord in a very simple way:

Initially, the laptop included a power cord with a standard US connector.

The simplest way out is to replace it with a power cord suitable for European networks. There is no need to do anything further because network adapter The laptop can work with any network.

Cases when purchasing a cord is impractical

For some types of equipment, purchasing cords is not justified, and in such cases, preference should be given to purchasing adapters. Devices used primarily with adapters include:

• mobile phones and smartphones, since purchasing a new device for recharging is unprofitable;
• large household appliances in which the cord is connected to the device itself, and can only be replaced by specialists from specialized repair centers;
• devices equipped with complex connectors and connected directly to electrical equipment; in such situations, you can only purchase a suitable cord from service center manufacturing company.

Electrical equipment operating at voltages between 100 and 110 volts

Currently common household appliances, operating strictly at 110 volts. This is, first of all, large equipment that users rarely order through online stores from other parts of the world.

But if the buyer nevertheless received such a product, then he can solve the problem that has arisen quite easily. The best way out In this case, it is necessary to purchase a step-down transformer.

This device reduces voltage electrical network 220V to suitable for the 110V device. It is equipped with all the necessary connectors, so there is no need to purchase any additional adapters. The process of connecting the device to the electrical network via a transformer is carried out by connecting the plugs; no settings are needed.

Selecting the correct transformer power

When choosing a transformer, you need to pay attention to the power level of the electrical appliance with which it will be used, since large equipment, in particular refrigerators, televisions, electric heaters, etc., require a higher power transformer. Therefore, you first need to find out what the power of the electrical appliance is (in Watts-W or Watt), and then buy the most suitable transformer device.

The dimensions of step-down transformers vary. So, for technology with low level power (up to two hundred watts), the transformers are barely larger in size than devices for charging smartphones. A device for equipment with a power of up to three thousand watts can be comparable in its parameters to a two-liter bottle.

An ordinary step-down transformer equipped with an American plug connector

Such devices can be ordered from electronic stores. The cost of transformers with a power of up to two hundred watts is approximately ten dollars. The more high power The connected equipment differs, the more expensive the transformer is. So, the cost of a device for three thousand watts will reach 50-70 dollars.

Step-down transformer for high-power electrical devices

Many buyers order such products via the Internet, in particular, on the American eBay auction, where there is always a large selection of step-down transformers.

In the USA and Canada, the voltage in the electrical network is 120 volts at a frequency AC 60 hertz. In Europe and Russia, and accordingly in Moldova, the voltage in the network is 230 volts at a current frequency of 50 hertz. It is believed that lower voltage and higher frequency are less dangerous to human health and life, but higher voltage and lower frequency are less expensive to implement and easier to implement technically. It may seem that America has taken the path of security, and Europe has taken the path of ease of implementation, but this is not so.

A little history

Types of electrical outlets and their plugs in the USA and Canada

Now in many homes in Canada, to connect a large household appliances(stoves, ovens, dryers, air conditioners, electric radiators) special large and round sockets are used that supply 240 volts. Physically, electricity is supplied to the house by three wires, one of which is simply grounding, and the second two are simultaneously an alternating current phase with a voltage of 120 volts and a frequency of 60 hertz. All large household appliances and radiators are connected linearly to two phases and operate on 240 volts. Everything low-power is connected to only one of two phases, no matter which. Typically, double sockets are installed in the house, each of which is powered by its own phase. Sometimes sockets are equipped with a switch.

Power parameters for electrical appliances

Buying electronics and household appliances in the United States is a very common phenomenon today, since prices for mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric shavers and much more are sometimes much lower there. In any case, the price tags for Apple products, in particular flagship smartphone– iPhones can differ significantly, especially if we are talking about used ones. or "refurbished". But the voltage in the US power grid is 110 volts, versus 220, so common in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and indeed throughout Europe. And the shape of the power plug is radically different. What to do? Is the purchase justified? Will this be a problem?

Let's figure it out. Let's start with the main points. Let's start with the fact that in the descriptions of goods sold in US online stores, in particular on Amazon.com, eBay.com and other sites, specifications regarding power supply are extremely rarely indicated. Get additional information, asking a question is not always possible - they may simply not answer you. The fact is that all these products are mainly designed for the domestic market of the United States and it is too difficult for the seller or the online store support service to delve into “some kind of tension there.” Yes, they don't have to. And you can understand them. Therefore, in most cases you will have to answer the question about the advisability of a purchase yourself. But it's not as difficult as it seems. Everything is much simpler. It is enough to remember the following main points.

Today, 100% of laptops, ultrabooks, smartphones, tablets, phablets, trimmers, epilators, electric shavers, wireless speakers and other low power electrical appliances regardless of country of production operate in the voltage range 110 – 220 volts and can be used worldwide without problems.

Without exception, all powerful electrical appliances, regardless of size, such as a hair dryer, curling iron, iron, dishwasher, TV, monitor, toaster, electric heater, food processor, coffee maker, desktop ( desktop computer), robots and simple vacuum cleaners do not have universal power supplies and in the USAoperate strictly with a voltage of 100 - 110 volts.

Isn't it difficult? Now, simply focusing on the name of the product, you can answer the question about the advisability of buying it in the USA. Now a little more detail.

Universal electrical appliances operating in the voltage range 110 - 220 volts

Take any laptop, smartphone or trimmer, look at the information that is present on the charger or power supply. You will find there a range of permissible mains voltages for safe operation. Look for the "INPUT" line. Usually this is 110 - 220 volts, or 100 - 240 volts.

Here is a standard charger Samsung smartphone. In the column of the permissible input voltage - "INPUT", the range is indicated from 100 to 240 volts. This means that you can use it anywhere in the world without any problems.

The tablet charger looks similar Apple iPad, same voltage range: 100 – 240 volts.

Or any electric razor, be it Philips, Braun or Panasonic, still the same 100 - 240 volts.

You don’t have to bother searching for data on the operating voltages of wireless speakers, laptops, winders (device for factory mechanical watch), video and photo cameras. Everywhere you will find a universal operating voltage range.

You can also ignore the second parameter, namely the current frequency, indicated in hertz; it is universal throughout the world and amounts to 50-60 hertz.

Conclusion? You can purchase small electrical appliances without hesitation. You can immediately plug them into a power outlet if you have a special adapter for the power plug.

Power plug adapter

Without exception, all electrical appliances sold in the United States are equipped with a power plug with a grounding connection (Type B) or without a grounding connection (Type A). The first option, a grounding plug, is quite rare. Here's what they look like.

Power Plug with Grounding Pin

Power plug without grounding pin

In the European Union, all countries of the former USSR, China, Japan, and African countries, a completely different shape of plug (type C) is common. The difference is visible to the naked eye, as they say.

Standard A (USA) and C (Europe, Asia) plugs

This problem can be solved very simply - by purchasing the so-called. "universal adapter". And if the power plug of the purchased electrical appliance has a grounding contact, then you need to purchase an adapter that is suitable for both plugs with and without a grounding contact. If there is no grounding contact on the plug, then a regular adapter without grounding will do.

Network adapters with American plug power cord to European. For plugs without ground pin (right) and universal (left).

The adapter is simply put on the plug and your electrical appliance is ready for use.

Option for purchasing such an adapter - universal solution. It usually costs $1-2. As a rule, they are sold in electrical goods stores. There are almost always some models in stock. According to reviews from many users, such adapters can be purchased on radio markets without any problems. Many users prefer to purchase them online, usually five to ten pieces at a time, usually buying on the Chinese site Aliexpress.com, where they are always sold in a wide range with free shipping.

But don't go for the cheap! An adapter's extremely low price usually means approximately the same quality. Crumpling, foul-smelling plastic, heating and bending contacts, an adapter falling out of the socket completely or in parts, an electrical appliance plug that does not fit well into the adapter - all this is not far-fetched. These are real problems awaiting you if you decide to save money and buy outright garbage. Plus, the danger of a plug melting, damage to an electrical appliance, and even a fire has not been canceled. Good adapter will last for many years and it costs 1-2 dollars, but not 10 cents.

There is another solution to the problem - replacing it with " European standard" power plug or entire cord. This manipulation is not difficult and can be done at a service center or, if you are comfortable with a screwdriver and a head, just at home. The only thing I would like to note is: when self-replacement cord or plug you risk damaging the electrical appliance and even getting an electric shock, so proceed only if you are 100% confident in yourself.

If you change the plug or cord, it is best to use original ones from another electrical appliance. Replacement plugs and cords are usually very low quality and there is no comparison with the original ones.

Here, for example, is a solution to the problem with the power plug for a laptop received from the USA. The original cord (on the left) went into the trash and a new cord was simply purchased that goes from the power supply to the outlet (on the right). This is the solution not the best, because cords sold separately, we repeat, are usually of low quality. It would be optimal to buy a high-quality adapter while keeping the original cord.

Electrical appliances operating in the voltage range 100-110 volts

Now let’s consider another version of the situation: the purchased electrical appliance is designed strictly for a voltage of 100-110 volts. These are all large stationary electrical appliances that rarely travel between continents. In addition to TVs with washing machines This includes small but powerful electrical appliances: irons, hair dryers, curling irons, electric kettles, toasters, vacuum cleaners.

This problem can be solved, but not as easily and cheaply as with an adapter. You will be helped out by purchasing a special device, the so-called. a step-down transformer, which converts the mains voltage of 220 volts, automatically lowering it to the 110 volts required by the device. After purchasing such a transformer, you no longer need to buy any adapters, because All the necessary connectors are already on the device.

On the user’s side, no settings are required other than connecting the power plugs; you just have to connect the existing electrical appliance to the network through this transformer each time. But the moment that is necessary must be taken into account when purchase is the power of your electrical appliance.

Powerful electrical appliances require a step-down transformer more power. You need to determine maximum power of your electrical appliance, which is usually indicated in Watts (look for “W” or “Watt”) and, based on this information, buy a step-down transformer.

The dimensions of step-down transformers vary. For low-power electrical appliances - up to 150-200 Watt (printer, copier) it is slightly larger regular block power supply, and for higher power, for example 1000-3000 Watt (hair dryer, vacuum cleaner), its dimensions can reach the size of a two-liter juice bag.

This is what a standard low-power step-down transformer looks like. Please note that all such devices already have an American standard plug connector.

But here is a step-down transformer of higher power, designed for as many as two electrical appliances.

Trademark "Shtil", Russian Federation.

Step-down transformers are usually not easy to find in electrical stores. It’s easier to order online, for example with free delivery; they are available in Chinese Aliexpress or the Amazon hypermarket. Cost from $20, for devices with a power of up to 200 Watts. The more powerful the connected device, the more expensive the transformer; for example, for devices with a power of up to 3000 watts it will already cost from $100.

Just as in the case of adapters, you shouldn’t save much here. You risk getting a problem.

And finally, answers to several common questions.

Does a step-down transformer affect performance? Will the connected device deteriorate over time?

Of course not, on the contrary, the transformer here will play the role of a voltage stabilizer. So, if the power is selected correctly and a good, high-quality transformer is purchased, then everything will be fine.

When is it justified to purchase an electrical appliance that requires a step-down transformer?

This is usually an expensive piece of equipment, but you can save a lot of money when purchasing it. Or devices that domestic market simply not. There is no point in buying a simple 110-volt vacuum cleaner in the USA, paying for its delivery, and then purchasing a step-down transformer for $100.

I found electrical appliances designed for 220 volts in the USA. Can I buy them?

Yes, there are such products and even entire stores. Of course you can buy. Usually these products are already equipped with a Europlug.

What happens if a device designed strictly for 110 volts is connected to a 220 volt network?

You risk simply ruining it. There may be other consequences. It's better not to try. It definitely won't work.

What if the power of the step-down transformer is not enough?

In this case, you should also refrain from using it. It’s good if there is a built-in fuse that will simply turn off the electrical appliance when it heats up. What if not? It's not worth checking.

More than once I have encountered the bewilderment of our tourists, and especially female tourists, who took with them equipment from Russia (a hair dryer, for example), but in the USA the device barely works. You shouldn’t immediately scold the manufacturer, it’s all about tension.

In America, the voltage in the network is 110 volts, so European equipment designed for voltage from 220 to 240 volts works here, frankly speaking, very poorly. Don't count on your favorite hairdryer or curling iron to help you out during your American trip. Either leave them at home and don’t take up space in your suitcase, or make sure in advance that the device is capable of working in full mode— there is equipment that can adapt to any voltage; information can be found in the instructions for the device. Many devices work without problems in any country in the world, but alas, not all.

There are such “stations” in many hotels, but sometimes even Apple owners can’t get anywhere without an adapter.

As for phones, cameras and cameras, you can charge them, but accordingly it will take a little longer than at home. Therefore, make sure in advance that your equipment is ready for use upon arrival; if you have a tour the next day, for example, it will not be pleasant if the camera is not charged within the usual 2 hours.

An important point is the adapter. If you can live without a hairdryer, and hotels usually have one, then such a number will not work with a telephone; without it, most people will get nowhere. Sockets in the USA are completely different from European ones. There is no way to do this without an adapter. Of course, you will find an adapter when you arrive in the USA, but it is not always easy. In many hotels, for some inexplicable reason, there are no adapters. And the “star rating” of a hotel doesn’t mean anything here - sometimes a hostel has an adapter, but a luxury hotel does not. And in the supermarket or pharmacy closest to the hotel (sounds strange, but more on that a little later) there may not be adapters, as we have seen more than once from the example of our tourists, with whom we were looking for adapters upon their arrival.

American outlet

Now imagine the situation - you have just arrived, you are tired, you are not very confident in your English, but you need to charge your devices so as not to be left without communication in the morning. Wandering around the city, not knowing where to get this adapter, is not a pleasant prospect. You can, of course, call the guide, but what if you don’t have a guide or the tour is a group one? In a word, to protect yourself from minor troubles like this, it is better to buy an adapter at the airport (they definitely exist there and are cheaper than in the USA - few people think of buying them upon departure) or in general in your city - nowadays you can find a complete set not a problem at any hardware store.

Returning to the topic of hair dryers and other styling equipment, if you did not bring one with you and purchased replacements from a local store, please ensure that they are rated for more than 110 volts before using them in Russia. Unlike the situation with European devices, which here, in the worst case, simply will not work as needed. Topical appliances can cause serious harm to you at home. My friend, who bought a straightener here, when she tried to use it at home, instead of ideal straight hair, she got volume, and what a volume. The iron exploded in her hands. You can, of course, sue the manufacturer, but it was clearly written on the box (though in English) that the device can ONLY operate at a voltage of 110 volts. Which is fair, considering the cost of the iron is $18.

In order not to repeat such an incident in your example, when you see equipment here, be it a toaster for $15 or a super hair dryer for $300, you should make sure that it is adapted for higher voltage and you can use it safely in your country. Those devices that are cheap are most likely designed to serve only in the USA, and even then not for long. The price-quality ratio has not been canceled in any corner of the planet. You shouldn’t sweep $20 coffee makers and waffle makers off the shelves - they are, of course, very nice, and just like in the movies, but they are completely useless in Russia. If you buy a phone or camera here, then there is no need to worry - this equipment is precisely designed to work safely around the world. But with everything else (especially with household appliances) you should be on alert. Especially if you are planning to give someone a gift. It’s unlikely that your boss, having received a mini-coffee maker as a souvenir, will thank you for the fire at home or in the office, and for his phobia of electronics. And then try to prove that you didn’t try to kill your boss. So, everything is like Hippocrates - do no harm.

Well, if you do acquire safe “adapted” equipment, then again, don’t forget about the adapter. Adapter for European socket It’s easy to purchase here - everyone expects that Americans are traveling and will certainly buy an adapter in their homeland, anticipating possible troubles. Why don't we follow their example?

Electricity in America, Canada, Mexico

American electrical voltage in AC network

Mains is the general-purpose alternating current (AC) electric power supply.
synonyms:
household power, household electricity, powerline, domestic power, wall power, line power, AC power, city power, street power, grid power.

In the United States and Canada, national standards specify that the sink voltage rating should be 120 V and allow a range of 114 to 126 V (-5% to +5%). Historically, 110, 115 and 117 volts were used in different places in North America.
(1)

However, this applies to single-phase networks. Three-phase power supply is labeled in America as 120/208 volts.

United States of America - plugs/sockets type A, B, mains voltage 120 V, frequency 60 Hz. The main network voltage, in accordance with the standard, is 120 V (from 114 to 126 V). Most houses are supplied with two circuits in antiphase, which makes it possible to obtain 240 V, from which more powerful consumers are powered, such as washing and drying machines, air conditioners, electric stoves, and so on. Older homes may have Type A sockets, but since 1962 only Type B sockets have been installed.

On the suitability of consumer electronics and electrical equipment for “foreign power grids”

Pay attention to the power supply voltage required by the electrical device (usually written on the device itself)

For example:
AC adapter: Input 100-240 V 50-60 Hz

Yes, indeed, many electronics power supplies can be connected to a network voltage of 110 volts, 120 volts, 127 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts, 240 volts with a frequency of 50 or 60 hertz. Even less, when we had a power failure, the voltage was 45-60 volts, and then two of the four adapters worked (one to the laptop, the second adapter to the GSM homebox, which is a mobile-stationary Internet mobile-telephone “radio modem”) . And the local switch power supply computer network I was not satisfied with this power supply.

Electrical voltage different countries- on Wikipedia
Mains voltage
electricity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_power_around_the_world
(and electrical plugs and sockets - in-house wiring)

Chargers. How I was running around the hotel on a business trip when I forgot the adapter for charger camera And you need to take pictures. Nothing, the world is not without good thrifty Germans :)

Directory for countries of the world Network adapters from the American power cord plug to the European one, and power cords.

(2)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_AC_power_plugs_and_sockets
About foreign electrical plugs and sockets ( household electricity) household appliances

Phase and zero. Earth and grounding
Voltage value
voltage

How to turn on a 220 volt electric boiler in America? It’s very simple - plug into the socket through an adapter or change the plug. Only it will boil 2.5 times longer.
Some American acquaintances specifically went to the market “to buy real Bulgarian boilers,” twice. For what? Convenient, and we are in no hurry, came the answer :)

Electrical outlets in the USA
Extensions, adapters, tees

American electrical plugs and electrical sockets:
type A (NEMA 1-15 USA 2 pin) 2 pins (no ground)
type B (NEMA 5-15 USA 3 pin) 3 pins (with ground)
Photos (2)

There are single adapters (the plug is put on the adapter) and in the form of tees and electrical extension cords. Carefully ensure that the power of the adapters matches (example: “120-240 V - 1-1.6A”, A is the current in amperes, if mA is indicated, then consider that the power is almost zero, these are milliamps, 1/1000 ampere), otherwise. .. "this will be a device for creating a fire."

For example, an extension cable with an insufficient cross-section, carrying a current slightly greater than the permissible one, heats up to the softening temperature of the plastic for 5-10 minutes. And then - there may be charring, a short circuit. The same goes for plugs/sockets. It’s good if it ends in melting and the smell of burnt plastic.

Voltage converters

Voltage range
Power supplies - adapters

At worst, for compatibility with “foreign power supplies” there are transformers and converters from the 110-127 volt network to 220-240 volts and vice versa; Just be careful with the power consumption of the electrical appliance and the adapter-transformer - there must be a reserve, at least 30% percent.

50-60 hertz? Asynchronous electric motors give different speed and power. Transformers? If there is a reserve of power built into the electrical device, it will work. If not, sooner or later it will burn out. 60-50/50-60 hertz - the difference is only 20%/17%, for electrical engineering - not so important. Using electrical appliances with a transformer designed for 50 hertz in a 60 hertz network is no problem (electrical steel magnetic circuits make almost no difference), but a 60 hertz transformer with a power supply of 50 hertz can be problematic.

Mexico
socket plugs: type A, B 127 V 60 Hz
The main voltage in the network is 127 V (from 114 to 140 V), otherwise the standards are close to North American ones.
(almost no difference in voltage - 120 or 127 volts, according to the rule of complete electrical compatibility -10...+5%)

remember! In the US and EU, the electricity supply will run out at some point.
If there is a long-term power outage, first empty the refrigerator, then the freezer.
There is almost no real food left in them (more about true food wildman-cook.netnotebook.net/) - no eggs, no meat, except for two chicken breasts, not even a packet of non-ghee butter.
Katie wanted a grain snack, so I make a fire from boulevard branches, heat water and make oatmeal.
Free retelling-translation of Shulman from Bulgarian from the book by Neil Stross, Izvenredna Situatsaya / Emergency(in general, not specifically - difficulties in translation from English and Bulgarian into Russian) publishing house Exlibris 2009, translation from English language into Bulgarian Iliyan Lolov, copyright 2009 by Stately Plump Buck Milligan, LLC. Neil Strauss - Neil Strauss.